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Speaking of Smith Archives

Adam Smith on Jane Eyre’s Blanche Ingram

August 11, 2022


Has any woman ever given a fair assessment of a romantic rival? Daniels (and Smith) investigate just how horrible is Blanche Ingram in Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre using the help of the impartial spectator. 

Take A Trip, Come Away With Us—to Scotland!

August 9, 2022


Adam Smith's Scotland: A post to plan a trip, remember a trip, or just enjoy the idea of one.

Jane Eyre's Equality of Spirit

August 4, 2022


When Jane Eyre claims to be Mr. Rochester's equal, she has no social status, no financial security, and no political power. But she has certainty that her spirit, as it will stand before God, is equal to anyone else's spirit. 

The Foundation of Jane Eyre’s Moral Education

 July 28, 2022


How does a child begin a moral education? Daniels suggests Jane Eyre’s reading of history and the Bible give her a good start but much more is required. 

#ReadWithMe: The Enlightenment Part 3: Toleration, Reason, and Religion

 July 20, 2022


Perhaps Robertson’s most interesting claim thus far is that toleration came initially as a result of political action. It did not spring from “enlightened” thinking, but was based on the practical need to resolve conflicts between nascent political units. 

Glory Liu on the Smith Questionnaire

 July 19, 2022


Glory Liu talks about why the Wealth of Nations > Theory of Moral Sentiments, watching dancing is a idea; and where she thinks Adam Smith might take a summer vacation. 

Did Adam Smith Promote Usury?

July 7, 2022


"Smith is advocating for the dispersion of capital, not its consolidation. If his system is working on behalf of someone, it certainly is not for the oligarch."

What Adam Smith Ate – Potatoes

July 5, 2022

Whether you're commenting on the best source of nourishment for day laborers (as Adam Smith did) or trying to figure out what to do with your leftovers, the Scottish classic Rumbledethump made with mashed or “rumbled” potatoes is a perfect choice. 

Dear Adam Smith: Besieged Bookworm

June 28, 2022


"Who's right? My mom or me?" asks a Besieged Bookworm whose mom wants to control her reading. Adam Smith shares his advice on reading things that might make you uneasy or sad. 

Adam Smith and Owning It with The Mystery of the Invisible Hand

June 23, 2022


How can teachers introduce their students to Adam Smith's insights with less eye rolling and more engaged learning? Lauren Heller suggests using a little mystery, The Mystery of the Invisible Hand by Marshall Jevons, that is. 

Father's Day Advice from Adam Smith

June 18, 2022


"[C]ultivating indifference to ourselves and those closest to us causes us not only to fail in our domestic roles in a way that displeases the spectator, but also to lose the ability to feel for the more distant strangers we might come into contact with as travel and technology shrink the world."